Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Part I

1 3 Soon as the siege and assault had ceased at Troy, This king lay at Camelot nigh on Christmas the burg broken and burnt to brands and ashes, with many lovely lords, of leaders the best, the traitor who trammels of treason there wrought reckoning of the Round Table all the rich brethren, was tried for his treachery, the foulest on earth. with right ripe revel and reckless mirth. It was Aeneas the noble and his high kin There tourneyed tykes by times full many, who then subdued provinces, lords they became, jousted full jollily these gentle knights, well-nigh of all the wealth in the Western Isles: then carried to court, their carols to make. forth rich Romulus to Rome rapidly came, For there the feast was alike full fifteen days, with great business that burg he builds up first, with all the meat and mirth men could devise: and names it with his name, as now it has; such clamour and glee glorious to hear, Ticius to Tuscany, and townships begins; dear din in the daylight, dancing of nights; Langobard in Lombardy lifts up homes; all was happiness high in halls and chambers and fared over the French flood Felix Brutus with lords and ladies, as liked them all best. on many banks all broad Britain he settles With all that’s well in the world were they together, then, the knights best known under the Christ Himself, where war and wreck and wonder and the loveliest ladies that ever life honoured, betimes have worked within, and he the comeliest king that the court rules. and oft both bliss and blunder For all were fair folk and in their first age have held sway swiftly since. still, the happiest under heaven, 2 king noblest in his will; And when this Britain was built by this baron rich, that it were hard to reckon bold men were bred therein, of battle beloved, so hardy a host on hill. in many a troubled time turmoil that wrought. More flames on this fold have fallen here oft 4 than any other I know of, since that same time. While New Year was so young it was new come in, But of all that here built, of Britain the kings, that day double on the dais was the dole served, ever was Arthur highest, as I have heard tell. for the king was come with knights into the hall, And so of earnest adventure I aim to show, and chanting in the chapel had chimed to an end. that astonishes sight as some men do hold it, Loud cry was there cast of clerics and others, an outstanding action of Arthur’s wonders. Noel nurtured anew, and named full oft; If you will list to this lay but a little while, and see the rich run forth to render presents, I’ll tell it straight, as I in town heard it, yelled their gifts on high, yield them to hand, with tongue; argued busily about those same gifts. as it was said and spoken Ladies laughed out loud, though they had lost, in story staunch and strong, while he that won was not wrath, that you’ll know. with linked letters loaded, All this mirth they made at the meal time. as in this land so long. When they had washed well they went to be seated, 1 the best of the barons above, as it seemed best; Bishop Baldwin above, he begins the table, with Guinevere, full gaily, gracing their midst, and Ywain, Urien’s son, ate alongside him. dressed on the dais there, adorned all about – These sat high on the dais and deftly served, splendid silk by her sides, and sheer above and many another sat sure at the side-tables. of true Toulouse, of Tartar tapestries plenty, Then the first course came with crack of trumpets, that were embroidered, bright with the best gems with many a banner full bright that thereby hung; that might be price-proved with pennies new noise of kettledrums and noble pipes, any a day. wild warbles and wide wakened echoes, the comeliest to descry that many a heart full high heaved at their notes. glanced there with eyen grey; Dainties drawn in therewith of full dear meats, a seemlier ever to the sight, foods of the freshest, and in such files of dishes sooth might no man say. they find no room to place them people before and to set the silver that holds such servings 5 on cloth. But Arthur would not eat till all were served, Each his load as he liked himself, he was so joyous a youth, and somewhat boyish: there ladled and nothing loath; he liked his life lively, he loved the less Every two had dishes twelve, either to long lie idle or to long sit, good beer and bright wine both. so busied him his young blood and his brain wild. And also another matter moved him so, 7 that he had nobly named he would never eat Now will I of their service say you no more, on such dear days, before he had been advised, for each man may well know no want was there of some adventurous thing, an unknown tale, another noise full new neared with speed, of some mighty marvel, that he might believe, that would give the lord leave to take meat. of ancestors, arms, or other adventures; For scarce was the noise not a while ceased, or else till someone beseeched for some sure knight and the first course in the court duly served, to join with him in jousting, in jeopardy to lay, there hales in at the hall door a dreadful man, lay down life for life, allow each to the other, the most in the world’s mould of measure high, as fortune might favour them, a fair advantage. from the nape to the waist so swart and so thick, This was the king’s custom when he in court was, and his loins and his limbs so long and so great at each fine feast among his many friends half giant on earth I think now that he was; in hall. but the most of man anyway I mean him to be, Therefore with fearless face and that the finest in his greatness that might ride, he stands straight and tall; for of back and breast though his body was strong, full lively at that New Year both his belly and waist were worthily small, much mirth he makes with all. and his features all followed his form made and clean. 6 Wonder at his hue men displayed, Thus there stands straight and tall the king himself, set in his semblance seen; talking at the high table of trifles full courtly. he fared as a giant were made, There good Gawain was graced by Guinevere and over all deepest green. beside, and Agravain a la dure main on the other side sits, 8 both the king’s sister-sons and full sure knights; And all garbed in green this giant and his gear:

2 a straight coat full tight that stuck to his sides, and bound both with a band of a bright green, a magnificent mantle above, masked within dressed with precious stones, as its length lasted; with pelts pared pertly, the garment agleam then twined with a thong, a tight knot aloft, with blithe ermine full bright, and his hood both, where many bells bright of burnished gold ring. that was left from his locks and laid on his Such a man on a mount, such a giant that rides, shoulders; was never before that time in hall in sight of human neat, well-hauled hose of that same green eye. that clung to his calves and sharp spurs under He looked as lightning bright, of bright gold, on silk stockings rich-barred, said all that him descried; and no shoes under sole where the same rides. it seemed that no man might And all his vesture verily was bright verdure, his mighty blows survive. both the bars of his belt and other bright stones, that were richly rayed in his bright array 10 about himself and his saddle, on silk work, And yet he had no helm nor hauberk, neither, it were tortuous to tell of these trifles the half, nor protection, nor no plate pertinent to arms, embroidered above with birds and butterflies, nor no shaft, nor no shield, to strike and smite, with gay gaudy of green, the gold ever inmost. but in his one hand he held a holly branch, The pendants of his harness, the proud crupper, that is greatest in green when groves are bare, his bridle and all the metal enamelled was then; and an axe in his other, one huge, monstrous, the stirrups he stood on stained with the same, a perilous spar to expound in speech, who might. and his saddle bows after, and saddle skirts, The head of an ell-rod its large length had, ever glimmered and glinted all with green stones. the spike all of green steel and of gold hewn, The horse he rode on was also of that hue, the blade bright burnished with a broad edge certain: as well shaped to sheer as are sharp razors. A green horse great and thick, The shaft of a strong staff the stern man gripped, a steed full strong to restrain, that was wound with iron to the wand’s end, in broidered bridle quick – and all engraved with green in gracious workings; to the giant he brought gain. a cord lapped it about, that linked at the head, and so around the handle looped full oft, 9 with tried tassels thereto attached enough Well garbed was this giant geared in green, on buttons of the bright green broidered full rich. and the hair of his head like his horse’s mane. This stranger rides in and the hall enters, Fair fanned-out flax enfolds his shoulders; driving to the high dais, danger un-fearing. A beard big as a bush over his breast hangs, Hailed he never a one, but high he overlooked. that with the haul of hair that from his head The first word that he spoke: ‘Where is,’ he said, reaches ‘the governor of this throng? Gladly I would was clipped all round about above his elbows, see that soul in sight and with himself speak that half his hands thereunder were hid in the wise reason.’ of a king’s broad cape that’s clasped at his neck. On knights he cast his eyes, The mane of that mighty horse was much alike, And rolled them up and down. well crisped and combed, with knots full many He stopped and studied ay plaited in thread of gold about the fair green, who was of most renown. here a thread of the hair, and there of gold. The tail and his forelock twinned, of a suit,

3 11 I had a hauberk at home and a helm both, There was a looking at length the man to behold, a shield and a sharp spear, shining bright, for each man marvelled what it might mean and other weapons to wield, I well will, too; for a rider and his horse to own such a hue but as I wish no war, I wear the softer. as grew green as the grass and greener it seemed, But if you be as bold as all bairns tell, than green enamel on gold glowing the brighter. you will grant me goodly the gift that I ask All studied that steed, and stalked him near, by right.’ with all the wonder of the world at what he might Arthur answered there, do. and said: ‘Sir courteous knight, for marvels had they seen but such never before; if you crave battle bare, and so of phantom and fairie the folk there it here fails you not the fight.’ deemed. Therefore to answer was many a knight afraid, 13 and all stunned at his shout and sat stock-still ‘Nay, follow I no fight, in faith I thee tell. in a sudden silence through the rich hall; About on these benches are but beardless children; as all had slipped into sleep so ceased their noise if I were clasped in armour on a high steed, and cry. here is no man to match me, his might so weak. I think it not all in fear, From thee I crave in this court a Christmas gift, but some from courtesy; for it is Yule and New Year, and here many young to let him all should revere men. speak to him firstly. If any so hardy in this house holds himself, is so bold of blood, hot-brained in his head, 12 that dare staunchly strike a stroke for another, Then Arthur before the high dais that adventure I shall give him as gift this weapon so rich, beholds, this blade, that is heavy enough to handle as he and, gracious, him reverenced, a-feared was he likes, never, and I will bear the first blow, as bare as I sit. and said: ‘Sir, welcome indeed to this place, If any friend be so fell as to fare as I say, the head of this house, I, Arthur am named. Leap lightly to me; latch on to this weapon – Alight swiftly adown and rest, I thee pray, I quit claim for ever, he keeps it, his own. and what thy will is we shall wait after.’ And I will stand his stroke straight, on this floor, ‘Nay, so help me,’ quoth the man, ‘He that on high if you will grant me the gift to give him another, sits: again; to wait any while in this way, it was not my errand. and yet give him respite But as the light of thee, lord, is lifted so high, a twelvemonth and a day. and thy burg and thy barons the best, men hold, Now hurry, let’s see aright strongest under steel gear on steeds to ride, dare any herein aught say.’ the wisest and worthiest of the world’s kind, proof to play against in other pure sports, 14 and here is shown courtesy, as I have heard said, If he had stunned them at first, stiller were then so then I wandered hither, indeed, at this time. all the host in the hall, the high and the low. You may be sure by this branch that I bear here The man on his mount he turned in his saddle, that I pass by in peace and no plight seek. and roundly his red eyes he rolled about, For were I found here, fierce, and in fighting wise, bent his bristling brows, burning green,

4 waving his beard about waiting who would rise. ‘I beseech in plain speech When none would come to his call he coughed full that this mêlée be mine’ high, and cleared his throat full richly, ready to speak: 16 ‘What, is this Arthur’s house,’ quoth the horseman ‘Would you, worthiest lord,’ quoth Gawain to the then, king, ‘that all the rumour runs of, through realms so ‘bid me bow from this bench and stand by you many? there, Where now your superiority and your conquests, that I without villainy might void this table, your grinding down and your anger, your great and if my liege lady liked it not ill, words? I would come counsel you before your court rich. Now is the revel and the renown of the Round For I think it not seemly, as it is true known, Table that such an asking is heaved so high in your hall, overthrown with the word of a wanderer’s speech, that you yourself are tempted, to take it to yourself, for all duck down in dread without dint of a blow!’ while so many bold men about you on benches sit, With this he laughed so loud that the lord grieved; that under heaven, I hope, are none higher of will, the blood shot for shame into his fair face nor better of body on fields where battle is raised. and there, I am the weakest, I know, and of wit feeblest. he waxed as wrath as wind; least worth the loss of my life, who’d learn the so did all that there were. truth. The king, so keen by kind, Only inasmuch as you are my uncle, am I praised: then stood that strong man near. No bounty but your blood in my body I know. And since this thing is folly and naught to you falls, 15 and I have asked it of you first, grant it to me; And said: ‘Horseman, by heaven you ask as a fool, and if my cry be not comely, let this court be free and as a folly you fain, to find it me behoves. of blame.’ I know no guest that’s aghast at your great words. Nobles whispered around, Give me now your weapon, upon God’s name, and after counselled the same, and I shall bear you the boon you’d be having.’ to free the king and crown, lightly he leaped to him and caught at his hand; and give Gawain the game. then fiercely the other fellow on foot alighted. Now has Arthur his axe, and the helm grips, 17 and strongly stirs it about, to strike with a thought. Then commanded the king the knight for to rise, The man before him drew himself to full height, and he readily up-rose and prepared him fair, higher than any in the house by a head and more. knelt down before the king, and caught the With stern face where he stood he stroked his weapon; beard, and he lightly left it him, and lifted up his hand and with fixed countenance tugged at his coat, and gave him God’s blessing, and gladly him bade no more moved or dismayed by mighty blows that his heart and his hand should hardy be, both. than if any man to the bench had brought him a ‘Take care, cousin,’ quoth the king, ‘how you set drink on, of wine. and if you read him aright, readily I trow, Gawain, that sat by the queen, that you shall abide the blow he shall bring after.’ to the king he did incline: Gawain goes to the giant, with weapon in hand,

5 and boldly abides him, never bothered the less. and you me smoothly have smitten, I swiftly you Then to Sir Gawain says the knight in the green: teach, ‘Re-affirm we our oaths before we go further. of my house and my home and my own name. First I entreat you, man, how are you named, Then may you find how I fare, and hold to your that tell me truly, then, so trust it I may.’ word; ‘In God’s faith,’ quoth the good knight, ‘Gawain and if I spend no speech, then it speeds you the am I, better, that bear you this buffet, whatever befalls after, for you may linger in your land and seek no further and at this time twelvemonth take from thee – another but oh! with what weapon you wilt, and no help from any Take now your grim steel to thee, alive.’ and see how you fell oaks.’ The other replies again: ‘Gladly, sir, indeed,’ ‘Sir Gawain, may I so thrive, quoth Gawain; his axe he strokes. if I am not wondrous fain for you this blow to drive.’ 19 The green knight on his ground graciously stands: 18 with a little lean of the head, flesh he uncovers; ‘By God,’ quoth the green knight, ‘Sir Gawain, I his long lovely locks he laid over his crown, like and let the naked neck to the stroke show. That I’ll face first from your fist what I found here. Gawain gripped his axe and glanced it on high, And you have readily rehearsed, with reason full his left foot on the field before him he set, true, letting it down lightly light on the naked, clearly all the covenant that I the king asked, that the sharp of the steel sundered the bones, save that you shall secure me, say, by your troth, and sank through the soft flesh, sliced it in two, that you shall seek me yourself, where so you think that the blade of the bright steel bit in the ground. I may be found upon field, and fetch you such The fair head from the frame fell to the earth, wages that folk flailed it with their feet, where it forth as you deal me today before this dear company.’ rolled; ‘Where should I seek,’ quoth Gawain, ‘where is the blood burst from the body, the bright on the your place? green. I know nothing of where you walk, by Him that Yet nevertheless neither falters nor falls the fellow, wrought me, but stoutly he started forth on strong shanks, nor do I know you, knight, your court or your and roughly he reached out, where the ranks stood, name. latched onto his lovely head, and lifted it so; But teach me truly the track, tell me how you are and then strode to his steed, the bridle he catches, named, steps into stirrup and strides him aloft, and I shall wind all my wit to win me thither; and his head by the hair in his hand holds. and that I swear you in truth, and by my sure and as steady and staunch him in his saddle sat honour.’ as if no mishap had him ailed, though headless ‘That is enough this New Year, it needs no more,’ now quoth the giant in the green to courteous Gawain: instead. ‘if I shall tell you truly, when you have tapped me He twined his trunk about, that ugly body that bled;

6 many of him had doubt, And it adorned the dais, hung on display, ere ever his speech was said. where all men might marvel and on it look, and by true title thereof to tell the wonder. 20 Then they went to the board these two together, For the head in his hand he holds up even, the king and the godly knight, and keen men them towards the dearest on dais addresses the face; served and it lifted its eyelids, and looked full wide, of all dainties double, as dearest might fall, and made this much with its mouth, as you may with all manner of meat and minstrelsy both. now hear; Full well they whiled that day till it worked its end ‘Look, Gawain, be you geared to go as you on land promised, Now think well, Sir Gawain, and look out loyally till you me, lord, find, lest by peril unmanned, as you swore oath in this hall, these knights this adventure to sustain, hearing. you have taken in hand. To the green chapel you go, I charge you, to find such a dint as you dealt – deserved you have – to be readily yielded on New Year’s morn. The knight of the green chapel, men know me as, many; therefore to find me, if you fain it, you’ll fail never. Come then, or be called recreant it behoves you.’ With a rough rasping the reins he twists, hurled out the hall door, his head in his hand, that the fire of the flint flew from fleet hooves. to what land he came no man there knew, no more than they knew where he had come from what then? The king and Gawain there at that green man laugh and grin; yet broadcast it was abroad as a marvel among those men.

21 Though Arthur the high king at heart had wonder, he let no semblance be seen, but said aloud to the comely queen, with courteous speech: ‘Dear dame, today dismay you never; well become us these crafts at Christmas, larking at interludes, to laugh and to sing among the courtly carols of lords and ladies. Nevertheless my meat I may now me address, for I have seen my marvel, I may not deny.’ He glanced at Sir Gawain and graciously said: ‘Now sir, hang up your axe that has hewn enough.’

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